By Danny Hart

The ex-England star has lapsed in his recovery from alcoholism and will travel to the United States for treatment after his agent revealed he needed "immediate help"

Paul Gascoigne has flown to America for treatment after suffering a lapse in his recovery from alcoholism.

The former England star's agent revealed on Sunday that the 45-year-old was in need of "immediate help" after he was seen shaking and slurring his words at a charity event in Northampton on Thursday.

A statement released by his management agency, GamePlan Solutions, reads: "Alcoholic Paul Gascoigne has been experiencing a tough time of late.

"He has been asking for help and has willingly been admitted to a treatment centre in America.

"He has complex issues that are currently being dealt with by professionals.

"Paul has been extremely touched and overwhelmed by the generous offers of help and support over the past few days"

"Paul has been extremely touched and overwhelmed by the generous offers of help and support over the past few days.

"He is motivated to fully understand and control his addiction problem under guidance."

Meanwhile, in light of Peter Schmeichel calling on the PFA to do more to help Gascoigne, chief executive Gordon Taylor has insisted the union has offered support to the former Tottenham midfielder on a number of occasions.

He said: "I can't think of a player who has had more support and constant help over the number of years that we have been there for Paul.

"It is quite ironic - it is nice that people like Peter Schmeichel care about him, but they don't appreciate the work we have done for him, a lot of which has to be confidential.

"If anything, I have been criticised at times for keeping faith and trying to keep going with him."